WAC SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT: Young players making impact in Aggies lineup

LAS CRUCES – Kathy Rodolph has a veteran New Mexico State softball team that is looking to repeat as Western Athletic Conference Tournament champions this weekend in Seattle.

But there have been key contributions from younger players to help the Aggies clinch the No. 1 seed entering today's WAC Tournament semifinal round against either No. 4 Seattle or No. 5 Utah Valley.

"I always worry about us peaking at the right time or too soon this time of year," said Aggies head coach Kathy Rodolph, who was named the WAC Coach of the Year on Wednesday after leading the Aggies to a 36-19 record and a 14-1 mark in conference play this season. "This year is a little different just because we have so many people who contribute that it doesn't put the burden on just one person."

Aggies freshman first baseman Kelsey Horton leads the WAC in home runs with 13 and is third in hitting with a .383 batting average.

"I didn't have expectations coming in but that we had some big hitters in the lineup and I knew I would have to work hard to earn my spot and I think I did," said Horton, who was named the WAC Freshman of the Year on Wednesday.

NMSU sophomore infielder Rachel Rodriguez leads the league with 31 stolen bases and is 11th in hitting. Freshman outfielder Valerie Castro has played an important role defensively.

Rodolph watched Horton her junior year on a California travel team that also produced former Aggie Ashley Maroda.

"I watched her when she was a junior and she hit 10 home runs over the weekend and thought that fit in with us," Rodolph said. "She is relentless about working."

In a lineup full of experienced hitters such as WAC Player of the Year Fiana Finau, Horton earned her spot in the lineup early in the season.

"In the preseason I had a lot of learning to do, but right around the time we started playing some big teams, it was a good time to get in there," Horton said.

Rodolph said that Rodriguez will move from second base to shortstop as Brennalyn Nakamura nurses a sprained foot and Haley Nakamura moves to short this weekend.

But Rodriguez will continue to produce at the top of the lineup after hitting ninth last season.

"It is going to be a little bit of a transition this weekend but I think we will be alright," Rodolph said.

Sports Editor Jason Groves can be reached at 575-541-5459. Follow him on Twitter @jpgroves.